An interview with Seminoles slugger Matt Cochran

What positions do you play and what is your best position?C/EH Good at both 🙂

Who is the best softball player you have ever seen play?There's a lot, can't name just one.

Why do you like the game of softball?I like it for the competitiveness, get to travel to different states and meet new friends.

What is your nickname in softball and how did you get it?Fatsy, I've had it since I was a baby.

What is your height and weight?6'0 300lbs

Where do you call home?Stilwell, Oklahoma will always be home. My family and I live in Tahlequah, Oklahoma now.

What's your favorite way to spend an off weekend?When we have an off weekend, I have two sons that both play baseball and basketball, so that allows me to go watch them play.

What do you do for a living?I work for my tribe. Cherokee Nation I'm a construction inspector.

Did you play sports in High School / College / Pro?Baseball, high school and college.

How did you get your start in softball and how did you get to the upper level?I've been around it since I was a kid, my dad use to play and I enjoyed it then. There's several of us that's played together for years, we always played in some conference events, just decided in 2017 to join conference and that's where we will remain. Of course it would never be possible without Tony & Paula Sanchez, best sponsors in the game, and great great friends! Those who are apart of the team can relate.

What was the most surprising difference between Conference play and non-Conference play when you made the jump?Like everyone else says, the pace of the game. Also everyone, well mostly everyone hits the ball hard.

Is there a player that you would compare your game to?Nope

What would you say is your career highlight to this point? Maybe one play or game that sticks out to you in particular?Nothing really… I have enjoyed a lot of things.

What advice can you give a young player trying to break into the upper level?No advice really, just have to know the right person. Those young players know whether they can play or not, and I'm sure they have watched several games. All of the gym, bp, taking ground balls, shagging flys……etc yes of course all of that, it all comes down to like I said, know the right person.

What type of batting grip do you use and what ounce bat?Finger overlap, 26.

What do you do in the offseason to prepare for the next softball season?Play local tournaments when we can, and try not to eat to much 🙂

What is your favorite sports team and your favorite sport other than softball?Yankees, baseball it would be.

Do you have any superstitions and if so, what are they?Several….. can't name them.

What would be your "at bat" music selection?Danza Kudoro

What is the best improvement upper level softball could make?Tournaments are played on Saturday and Sunday only. Would help with flights and some people having to miss work.

What is your favorite non-World tournament and why?Toys 4 Tots in Cali Tons of good ball players there, its nice weather and fun to play.

What is the best softball field/complex you have played at and why?Hall of fame stadium in OKC, OK is nice.